$10,000 Donated To San Ramon, Danville Schools Thanks To Man’s Big Muscles, Bigger Heart

DANVILLE, CA — A Tri-Valley man who has broken his back three times, and will likely need shoulder surgery very soon, recently raised $10,000 for schools in San Ramon and Danville thanks to weights, heart and a lot of broccoli. Jason Brown, a Tri-Valley mortgage broker who founded the educational nonprofit SaveCASchools.org in 2004, entered a Bay Area Men’s Physique Competition earlier this year and competed on May 13. It took months of painful dedication to the cause in order for Brown to raise the money, which was twice his original fundraising goal.

In order to compete, Brown had to get his 6-foot-5-inch frame down to 5 percent body fat and a mere 215 pounds just a few years after he was told he might be lucky to be able to walk. Brown credits his ability to work through his many injuries to his trainer Rob Bumgarner at Iron Horse Fitness Trainers Club in Danville.

Brown said his grueling training regimen gave him a newfound respect for bodybuilders and anyone who has ever tried to diet. Brown, who gave up desserts, measured every meal and worked out seven days a week, said had he known how difficult this journey would be, he is not sure if he would’ve tackled it. Brown dropped more than 40 pounds and referred to his yoga days as a “rest day.”

His big food splurge (when he was allowed to snack) was peanut butter. Brown documented his incredible journey via social media and many posts included a lot of broccoli and lean protein.

SaveCASchools is currently partnering with San Ramon Valley Education Foundation to help fund Imagineering, a beyond school enrichment program in STEM for grades 3-12. The concept is simple: expose children to science, technology, engineering and math principles early in a fun, hands-on, low-risk environment, which can lead to a STEM pathway and successful career in the 21st century.

Brown said those interested in donating to the cause can donate through the SaveCaSchools page directly. Follow Brown’s journey on Facebook.

Photo courtesy Jason Brown via GoFundMe